At first glance, it's difficult to decipher exactly what this bizarre contraption is. Is it a tool to facilitate physical therapy for the upper extremities? Can it shoot down an enemy helicopter in battle like a bazooka? Is it that funky device Egon from Ghostbusters used to track ghouls and goblins?

None of the above.

Instead, it's Tiffen's Steadicam Smoothee. And it claims to make your video recording experience a process that yields a much smoother, higher quality video. Developed by Steadicam, the industry icon for camera stabilization, iPhone 3Gs owners are being told that the release of the Smoothee will enable them to "capture incredible video without the shakes normally associated with hand-held video shot on the go."

I have recorded video on my iPhone before and to be honest I am not sure the quality is good enough to warrant a Steadicam mount for the thing. If you like the idea of recording video with the iPhone camera and like the idea of holding a big, rather ugly mount to record with this may be for you. The mount measures 14.5" x 2.5" in operating configuration and has a folding ergonomic grip. The device also ships with a DVD offering tips on how you can get the best quality using the gadget.

Although pricing information has not yet been revealed, some estimate that Steadicam Smoothee could ultimately cost more than an iPhone. While that estimate is dubious at best, the real issue is whether or not anyone would actually want to use such an unwieldy contraption that essentially contradicts the convenient video recording function of the iPhone 3GS. After all, if you're going to lug this big thing around with you everywhere, why not just look to a different device than the iPhone for your video recording purposes?

Tiffen, however, is praising the Steadicam Smoothee's "lightweight, agile, and easy to use" design as a must-have for amateur videographers. And while the shear bulk of the product may leave you scratching your head for now, consider the (potential) practicality of the device later this year. For instance, if the 4th Gen iPhone, which is likely to be unveiled this summer, packs a higher res video camera, perhaps an argument could be made that such an accessory is actually not without merit - particularly if the video recorded for posterity is bumped up to a new caliber of quality.

Video recording on a 3GS is good, but not even close enough to replace a real video recording device. I wouldn't waste money on this for a phone's video camera. It looks big and useless anyway. Just get a real camera...

Last edited by adp; 01-14-2010 at 11:56 AM.

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These "video stabalizers" are worthless. If your going to be that concerned about stable video out of your phone save your self the hasel and money. It's better to go out and buy a flip and use a lightweight monopod or tripod that can do the same job better even more stable and for far less than one of these "prosumer" devices. It's just not realistic or feasble. Stop trying to sell us these halfassed excuses to sell us these "pro" devices. I am a film minor and none of my friends would even think about using one of these devices for a video. If they are going to use an iPhone they are doing it for the asthetic look and style, and would not go for a $200 iPhone add on.

looks cool.. and i already seen the vid on it.. what suks is that they dont really show how it works.. but it would also be coo if it was universal so u can attach other things.. but yeah will see who actually goes out and buys one.. lol

These "video stabalizers" are worthless. If your going to be that concerned about stable video out of your phone save your self the hasel and money. It's better to go out and buy a flip and use a lightweight monopod or tripod that can do the same job better even more stable and for far less than one of these "prosumer" devices. It's just not realistic or feasble. Stop trying to sell us these halfassed excuses to sell us these "pro" devices. I am a film minor and none of my friends would even think about using one of these devices for a video. If they are going to use an iPhone they are doing it for the asthetic look and style, and would not go for a $200 iPhone add on.

Video recording on a 3GS is good, but not even close enough to replace a real video recording device. I wouldn't waste money on this for a phone's video camera. It looks big and useless anyway. Just get a real camera...

Exactly. I'm sitting here hoping they make one of these for the Kodak zi8. I don't need to put this much attention into my cell phone. The only people who need this are porn producers who shoot WITH the iPhone (as it is the best way to guarantee the video will work with iPhone is to shoot it with one).

Why would anyone spend more on this only to shoot at 640x480 on a iPhone? Sometimes these iPhone add-ons seem to be a waste of time / money / & development.

The whole advantage of the iPhone is being able to shoot medium quality video right out of your pocket. Sure it's shaky (esp after a coffee or two), but thats the point. It's easy. This thing looks like it could double up as a device used by aliens to 'Probe you'